According to researchers at The National Institute for Early Research, Alabama is one of only five states that meet all 10 of their quality benchmarks. And it’s the only state to have done so for 18 straight years.
As Alabama aims to maintain its standing, the state is expanding its efforts to recruit, prepare, and support qualified preschool teachers. This means that the demand for well-trained preschool educators continues to rise. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ECE employment in Alabama is expected to grow by 7% over the next five years.
This guide walks through how to become a preschool teacher in Alabama. This will also talk about certification requirements, job opportunities, and long-term career growth.
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Step 1: Understand what preschool teachers do.
What Does a Preschool Teacher Do in Alabama?
Before choosing a degree program or certification path, it helps to understand the everyday responsibilities of preschool teachers in Alabama. Their work typically includes:
- Developing age-appropriate lessons
- Supporting early literacy, early math, and language development
- Creating routines that help children feel safe and ready to learn
- Encouraging social and emotional skills
- Staying in close communication with families
- Working with administrators, aides, and support staff
It’s also important to know that different roles exist within early childhood education. This means that there are different preschool teacher qualifications in Alabama. Understanding the different Alabama preschool teacher requirements will help you choose the most fitting educational pathway.
Step 2: Meet education requirements.
Education Pathways for Alabama Preschool Teachers
The right path how to become a preschool teacher in Alabama depends on where you plan to teach:
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE)
A two-year degree can lead to positions in childcare centers, private preschools, and some assistant teacher roles.
Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education
A bachelor’s degree is typically required for teachers in Alabama’s First Class Pre-K programs and other public school settings. This route also leads to better pay and advancement opportunities.
Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
The CDA works well for childcare centers, Early Head Start, and Head Start classrooms. Many people choose it as a faster, more affordable entry into the field.
Students often weigh the CDA vs a degree for preschool teachers when deciding how much schooling they want to complete.
Online Options
With the increasing costs of living on campus, online early childhood education programs in Alabama have become so prevalent. These flexible options help working adults, parents, and career changers complete coursework without attending classes in person.
Some of the best schools for early childhood education in Alabama that can be completed online are:
- The University of Alabama – BS in Early Childhood Education: Prepares students to teach ages 0–8, with a focus on child development, curriculum design, and STEM integration.
- The University of West Alabama – BS Early Childhood/Elementary Education (P-3/K-6): Combines early childhood and elementary training, emphasizing STEM teaching strategies and developmentally appropriate lessons.
- Auburn University at Montgomery – Online EdS in Elementary Education: Advanced program for educators, focusing on leadership, curriculum innovation, and STEM integration in elementary classrooms.
Step 3: Fulfill certification and licensing requirements.
Alabama Department of Education Requirements
To teach in state-funded pre-K or public schools, you’ll need an Alabama Department of Education teacher certification. The most common credential for a preschool teacher license in Alabama is:
- Class B Professional Educator Certificate
- Class A Certificate, which usually requires a master’s degree
Steps to Certification
- Complete a state-approved Early Childhood Education degree
- Finish an approved teacher preparation program
- Pass required exams (including Praxis II: Education of Young Children)
- Submit your application through the Alabama Educator Certification portal
Reciprocity: If you are an out-of-state teacher, Alabama may offer reciprocity agreements that make it easier for you to obtain certification without having to start the process from scratch.
To apply, you’ll need to visit the Alabama Educator Certification portal on the Alabama Department of Education website. Here’s the general process:
- Go to the Alabama Department of Education website.
- Navigate to the Certification section.
- Create or log in to your account on the Alabama Educator Certification portal to start the application.
Step 4: Complete field experience and background checks.
Fieldwork, Practicum, and Background Clearance
Teacher preparation programs and early childhood education degrees in Alabama include hands-on experience in real classrooms. It usually involves:
- Observations
- Practicum hours
- Supervised student teaching
These placements allow future teachers to build confidence, learn classroom management, practice developmentally appropriate instruction, and work with mentor teachers.
Other Alabama preschool teacher requirements 2026 also include complete fingerprinting and background checks through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Even if you study online, your college will help arrange local field placements.
Step 5: Apply for preschool teaching positions.
Where to Find Preschool Teaching Jobs in Alabama
Once you meet the education and certification requirements, you can apply to a wide variety of preschool teacher jobs in Alabama, such as:
- First Class Pre-K classrooms
- Private preschools and childcare centers
- Church-affiliated programs
- Nonprofit organizations like Head Start or the YMCA
Job seekers usually look on:
- Teach in Alabama
- Local school district websites
- Workforce centers and teaching job boards
These listings often describe the exact Alabama preschool teacher qualifications preferred by each employer.
Step 6: Explore salary expectations and career growth.
Preschool Teacher Salary and Career Outlook in Alabama (2026)
Preschool salaries vary widely based on location, credentials, experience, and school type.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary of preschool teachers is $37,120, with First Class Pre-K typically offering the highest wages and best benefits. Another data from ZipRecruiter shows that a preschool teacher’s salary in Alabama averages $32,613 yearly.
While an Alabama teacher’s salary is lower, the state’s strong investment in early childhood programs creates meaningful opportunities for career stability and growth.
With experience or advanced credentials, preschool teachers can move into roles such as:
- Lead teacher
- Pre-K special education teacher
- Center director
- Early childhood coordinator
- Curriculum or instructional specialist
To pursue career advancement in early childhood education, you need to have a master’s degree. This level allows you to move into administrative and leadership roles.
Step 7: Stay certified and continue education.
Maintaining Certification and Advancing Your Credentials
Alabama teachers must complete Professional Development Hours (PDH) to keep their credentials active. Many educators complete training through organizations like the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Professional growth opportunities include:
- Master’s degrees in ECE or education
- Certifications in special education, literacy, or autism support
- Micro-credentials in specific areas of early childhood learning
- Training in trauma-informed care and behavior support
Continuing education helps teachers stay current and opens doors to leadership positions.
Step 8: See the future outlook: why preschool teachers are in demand.
The Future of Preschool Teaching in Alabama (2026 and Beyond)
Alabama’s preschool scene is booming. Its First Class Pre-K program now serves over 24,000 four-year-olds across all 67 counties. Just this 2025–26 school year, the state added 58 new classrooms, bringing the total to 1,528 Pre-K classrooms.
What makes it even more special? For 18 straight years, the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) has rated First Class Pre-K as the highest-quality state-funded pre-K program in the U.S.
Still, there’s a big gap to fill. According to NIEER’s 2024 report, Alabama enrolled 24,640 four-year-olds in the 2023–24 school year. However, the state officials have a goal of reaching 70% of all eligible four-year-olds. This will require even more classrooms and teachers.
On top of that, the state is addressing teacher shortages head-on. They’ve expanded an apprenticeship program to grow the number of qualified early childhood educators.
So, for anyone thinking of becoming a preschool teacher in Alabama, it’s a real opportunity. With rapid expansion, a top-rated system, and clear investments in staffing, Alabama preschool teacher demand in 2026 is only going to grow.
Conclusion
Here’s a recap on how to become a preschool teacher in Alabama:
- Choose an accredited Early Childhood Education program that fits your goals.
- Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program as part of your degree.
- Pass the required Alabama exams, including Praxis assessments.
- Apply for your teacher certification through the Alabama Department of Education.
- Gain hands-on classroom experience and continue building your skills as you grow into the profession.
Becoming a preschool teacher in Alabama offers stability, meaningful work, and opportunities for advancement. With the right education, certification, and hands-on training, future teachers can build a rewarding career while shaping the lives of young children.
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore accredited early childhood education programs in Alabama and map out the path that best matches your goals.
